Drone-Mounted X-Ray Tube Positioning for Flexible SID Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional X-ray imaging systems face difficulties in achieving the desired Source to Image Receptor Distance (SID) due to restrictions on the arrangement of the X-ray tube and detector, limiting the acquisition of useful X-ray image data for diagnosis, particularly in chest and cervical spine imaging.
Innovation Solution
An X-ray tube holding apparatus that includes a flying object, such as a drone, equipped with a holding assembly allowing the X-ray tube to rotate and be positioned precisely using position sensors and a control apparatus, enabling flexible arrangement and control of the X-ray tube's position, azimuth angle, and elevation/depression angle to achieve optimal imaging configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional fixed arrangement of X-ray tube and detector is used, then device structure is simple, but Source to Image Receptor Distance (SID) cannot be adjusted to desired values
Solution Approach 1:
The X-ray tube is mounted on a movable platform that can change its position in three-dimensional space, transforming the static arrangement into a dynamic system. This allows the SID to be adjusted by moving the platform along the Z-axis while maintaining the desired geometric relationship between the X-ray tube, patient, and detector
Solution Approach 2:
The invention adds spatial dimensions to the X-ray tube positioning by introducing a movable platform that operates in three-dimensional space. The platform can adjust not only the SID (Z-axis) but also the azimuth angle and elevation/depression angle, effectively adding degrees of freedom to the system arrangement
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional fixed arrangement is used, then installation is simple, but examination range is limited due to obstacles
Solution Approach 1:
The movable platform provides dynamic positioning capability that allows the X-ray tube to navigate around obstacles and reach examination positions that would be inaccessible with fixed arrangements. The platform can adjust its position and orientation to accommodate various patient positions and anatomical regions
Solution Approach 2:
The movable platform acts as an intermediary carrier between the X-ray tube and the examination environment. It provides the necessary degrees of freedom and positioning capability while isolating the complex control mechanisms from the main imaging system, allowing flexible navigation around obstacles
3Manufacturing precision
If X-ray tube position is fixed, then setup time is short, but SID cannot be optimized for diagnostic quality
Solution Approach 1:
Position sensors are installed on the movable platform to detect its actual position in three-dimensional space. The control apparatus receives feedback from these sensors and automatically adjusts the platform position to achieve the desired SID and angular parameters, ensuring precise positioning while minimizing manual adjustment time
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces manual mechanical positioning with an automated control system that uses position sensors and a control apparatus to achieve precise SID adjustment. This substitution of automated control for manual adjustment reduces time loss while maintaining high positioning precision
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution provides a high degree of arrangement freedom for the X-ray tube, enabling X-ray imaging with larger SID and reducing installation preparation time, while avoiding obstacles and expanding the range of examination, allowing for improved diagnostic image acquisition.
Implementation Method 1
The X-ray imaging system emits radiation (typically, X-ray) to an examination region (e.g., chest) of a subject and detects the intensity distribution of X-rays that have passed through the examination region as transparent data
Data Source
AI summary
The X-ray imaging system according to the present embodiment includes an X-ray tube, a holding assembly, a flying object, an X-ray detector, and processing circuitry, The X-ray tube is configured to emit X-rays. The holding assembly is configured to hold the X-ray tube. The flying object is equipped with the holding assembly. The X-ray detector is configured to detect the X-rays emitted by the X-ray tube. The processing circuitry is configured to control a flight of the flying object, and to control the flight of the flying object such that the X-ray tube is arranged on a predetermined position with respect to the X-ray detector.